US Popularity Rank: 12887

Origin: Norse

Meaning: Root ledge; red ledge

Rutledge is a boy’s name and surname of English and Old Norse origin. It’s most likely a topographical name, deriving from the medieval English word rout which comes from the Old Norse ruta, meaning “loud noise.” This was combined with the medieval English lache or leche, meaning “stream.” The name may have been used to denote people who lived near a stream. Over the centuries, the surname has developed many different variants, including Rookledge, Rucklidge, Routledge, Rudledge and many others. You may recognize the name from the British publishing company Routledge, which specializes in academic books. If you’re hoping baby will be a little future scholar, Rutledge could be the perfect name for them!